Partial Digest - Maglag

 Maglag is the magnetic fraction of a soil sample that is obtained by using a rare earth magnet. It's elemental analysis may in a sense be seen as an extension of the partial leach digests offered by Ultra Trace. In that for a given soil sample, the Dilute HCl partial leach will release approximately 1000ppm to 2000ppm Iron (Fe) and associated elements. The Concentrated HCl partial leach will release about ten times that, around 10,000ppm to 20,000ppm Iron and associated elements. A concentrated HCl leach on the Maglag of such a soil will release a further ten times more Iron again. (Approximately 100,000 to 200,000 ppm Fe and it's associated elements.)

Maglag also provides a means to obtain a consistent sample medium when sampling through highly variable terrain. For example, consider sand dunes interspersed with exposed bedrock which will give a highly variable element response as you move from sand dune to rock. In some cases it has been shown that maglag gives a more consistent element response with regards to the underlying geology as you sample through a highly contrasting regolith.

Maglag may be treated in as many different ways as any rock or soil sample. The most common approach has been a Concentrated HCl Partial Leach or Aqua Regia Digest. A cyanide leach has also been shown to be successful in extracting Gold and Silver and to a lesser degree, Palladium. The detection limit for gold by this technique is typically 0.05ppb.

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